This Friday marks the public launch of a new website: www.waterloohouseofrefuge.ca, which explores the history, stories and reality of life in the Waterloo County House of Industry and Refuge. Also known as the ‘poorhouse’, the House of Refuge provided a place to live and work for the indigent, elderly and people living with mental and physical impairments who were unable to support themselves or be supported by their families. The website explores their care, treatment and prevailing attitudes towards the poor and infirm.

Information regarding the Lunch and Learn launch, at the Wilfrid Laurier School of Social Work, 120 Duke Street West, on Friday March 10, 2017 from 12-1:30, can be obtained by contacting lcoakley@wlu.ca